With seven games remaining and their postseason hopes hanging in the balance, the Houston Astros made several roster moves Saturday that could affect their options over the final week of the regular season.
Right-hander Enyel De Los Santos was placed on the 15-day injured list with right knee tendinitis, ending his regular season. The Astros recalled right-hander Logan VanWey from Triple-A Sugar Land to take his place on the roster.
De Los Santos finishes the regular season with a 4.79 ERA over 71 1/3 innings in 66 appearances. His absence further thins a bullpen already missing left-hander Steven Okert, who is out with a right hamstring strain. Both pitchers could potentially return if Houston reaches the postseason.
Matthews Returns After Two Months
The Astros also activated Brice Matthews from the 60-day injured list. Matthews had been out with a left knee sprain and began a rehab assignment with Sugar Land on Sept. 10. Houston designated Jorge Barrosa for assignment to make room for Matthews.
Matthews struggled during the rehab assignment, going 1-for-24 with 12 strikeouts. Before the injury, he hit .197 with seven home runs and 22 RBIs in 82 games for Houston this season. His ability to play both the infield and outfield gives the Astros additional flexibility over the final week.
Burrows Returns to the Mound
There was also encouraging news involving Mike Burrows, who began another rehab assignment with Sugar Land on Saturday as he continues his return from right elbow neuritis and right shoulder inflammation.
Burrows threw two scoreless innings in Sugar Land’s 7-0 victory over Las Vegas on Saturday night. He allowed four hits, walked none, and struck out two, escaping a bases-loaded jam with a double play in the first inning.
Burrows originally went on the 15-day injured list retroactive to July 7 with right elbow neuritis. He began an earlier rehab assignment in August before right shoulder inflammation interrupted his return, and the Astros transferred him to the 60-day IL on Sept. 6.
Before the injuries, Burrows made 17 starts and one relief appearance for Houston this season, posting a 4-9 record and 5.99 ERA over 94 2/3 innings.
Whether Burrows has enough time to return to the Astros before the regular season ends remains uncertain. But getting him back into game action gives Houston another potential pitching option should the season extend beyond next weekend.
With De Los Santos unavailable, Matthews back on the active roster, and Burrows attempting a late return, the Astros are still rearranging the pieces as they enter the final seven games with virtually no margin for error.
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